Spotlight on Learning

Week 2 saw students settle back into the rhythm of a full school week, embracing new learning with enthusiasm and curiosity. Throughout the week, students:

• Explored the story of Pentecost, reflecting on how the Holy Spirit transformed the disciples and the significance of this event for the Church.
• Began reading Once by Morris Gleitzman, developing their comprehension through rich class discussions, character analysis and close examination of the author's techniques.
• Represented, compared and simplified fractions using number lines, strengthening their understanding of equivalent fractions.
• Investigated different perspectives by examining the story of Ned Kelly, linking their thinking to our inquiry question: How do our choices shape the story we leave behind?
• Learnt how pointing signs are used in Auslan to communicate pronouns and prepositions.
• Identified trusted adults and discussed when and how to seek support, building their understanding of safe and supportive relationships.

It has been wonderful to see students demonstrating curiosity, resilience and thoughtful participation across all learning areas.

Some more photos from our City Excursion in Week 1.

Learning For Week 3:

Religious Education: Students will explore the lives of some Saints and reflect on how their choices shaped the story they left behind. Through our inquiry, "How do our choices shape the story we leave behind?", students will consider how the saints' faith, courage and service continue to inspire people today, and how their own everyday choices can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

English: Next week in English, students will continue reading Once by Morris Gleitzman, focusing on Chapters 4-6. They will build their understanding of the text by summarising key events, identifying important vocabulary, and recognising how authors use language to create meaning. Students will learn about nominalisation and practise applying this grammatical feature in their own writing. They will also begin planning and drafting an information report on Poland, using notes from their learning to write a well-structured paragraph with a clear topic sentence and supporting details. Daily spelling, handwriting and typing sessions will continue to develop literacy fluency.

Mathematics: In our Mathematics work we continue to develop our Number Fluency and our work with Fractions. We have been adding fractions with different denominators by finding the lowest common multiples and now we will move towards subtracting them. 

Performing Arts: Students will use drama to explore historical perspectives from the Old Melbourne Gaol. They will develop and perform freeze frames (tableaux), using facial expressions, body language and different levels to communicate characters' emotions and experiences. Through discussion and role-play, students will build their oral language skills while considering how drama can bring history to life from different points of view.

Auslan: In week 3, students will commence Unit 5B, learning that some verbs can be signed in different ways to show how an action is performed in different contexts. They will practise translating verbs by adapting their signs to match the specific action being described.  

Social & Emotional Learning: This week, students will explore how stereotypes can influence society and opportunities for different groups. They will interpret real-world data, identify patterns of fairness and unfairness, and examine how Human Dignity calls us to treat every person with respect, equality, and fairness.  

What you can do to help your child at home

• Encourage your child to read for at least 20 minutes each day and discuss the characters, events and themes in their book.
• Practise maths skills through everyday activities such as cooking, shopping, measuring and working with fractions.

Important Reminders

• Fidget Toys: We kindly ask that students do not bring fidget toys to school unless their use is a planned adjustment in consultation with Allied Health Professionals. Students who bring fidget toys without an approved adjustment will be asked to place them in their school bag for the remainder of the day to take home. We appreciate your support in encouraging your child to leave fidget toys at home.

Please remember to pencil in the School Events listed on the page to your diary, to ensure you are well prepared for next term.

• Monday 3rd August - Elephant Ed Session One for Year 6 students

• Wednesday 5th August - Year 6 Student leading Mass

• Wednesday 5th August - Photo Day - please use QR code in the flyer below

• Friday 14th August - Confirmation Ceremonies (TBC: Evening)

• Saturday 15th August - Confirmation Ceremonies (11 am and 2 pm)

• Monday 24th August - Book Week Parade at 9 am

• Friday 4th September - Father's Day Breakfast

• Thursday 17th September - Last Day of Term 3 for Students

Enjoy your weekend,

The Bethlehem Team

Contact Us @Bethlehem

bethlehem@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au (all teachers) or